It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Naugatuck Historical Society Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Naugatuck, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive,”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend.”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years”
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive, respectful, and cheerful. This was the first step in getting outside assistance for our Mom and we were so impressed with how thorough the care was - the first helper checked to see that her home was safe and that she knew how to use her cell phone. We'd highly recommend using their in home care.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend. We all thought she was wonderful!! I think her biggest strength is that she sees the work, needs little/to no direction, offers to take things out of our hands, and is a true-go-getter. For Billie, this type of help is great since she feels like she can take some time to rest and trust all is okay. Mary works hard and is also very patient. I really think Mary is a natural dealing with elderly. She is patient and kind! Anyway, what I wanted to ask is if Mary can be the consistent caregiver for the weekends. The other 4 caregivers that I have met are also very nice. We would like Mary as much as possible as she is punctual, and as I mentioned before, sees what needs doing. She is focused on what she can do to help. She doesnt just sit there next to Bill, she has eyes in the back of her head and goes the extra mile. Anything that needs to get done, she says no wait, let me do it if she hasnt already initiated it herself. She seems to have endless energy and never complained. I just felt compelled to drop you a this note to let you know how impressed we were with her. Thanks”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant to have someone come into her home to help care for her, but she is very, very pleased with Betsy. Not only does she have someone to keep her company and meet her physical needs—her kitchen is looking cleaner than I have seen it in a while. Thank you again. Your kind manner was reassuring to my mother and to me, and you have made the process of caring for my mother at home easy, and provided me with much needed relief so that I can actually return to work with a calm mind.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would do their very best to take care of you in your time of need. I will recommended this facility to family and friends. I want to thank you so much for the exceptional care you took of my dad. I hold your agency in the highest regard and you have my deepest appreciation.”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years old. She refused to leave her home. Susan Oderwald took wonderful care of her. She found caregivers for her who treated her with kid gloves and she herself went above and beyond by getting papers signed, visiting her in the hospital and fetching things for her. I don't know what I would have done without her, since I live 3,000 miles away. I highly recommend her, her services and her staff of caregivers.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Naugatuck State Forest with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Roma Ristorante Italiano or visit Fort Nathan Hale, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Naugatuck, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Naugatuck, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Naugatuck, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Entertainment List for JULY 4THEATERALL SHOOK UP, A musical comedy inspired by and featuring the music of Elvis Presley continues at Goodspeed Musicals through Aug 24, 2025 / The Goodspeed - 6 Main Street, East Haddam (goodspeed.org)Make a date to enjoy this sizzling Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice Broadway blockbuster, featuring an infectious pop score, the talents of 43 local actors, and a live band - all under a starry summer sky!Performances of EVITA tak...
Entertainment List for JULY 4
THEATER
ALL SHOOK UP, A musical comedy inspired by and featuring the music of Elvis Presley continues at Goodspeed Musicals through Aug 24, 2025 / The Goodspeed - 6 Main Street, East Haddam (goodspeed.org)
Make a date to enjoy this sizzling Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice Broadway blockbuster, featuring an infectious pop score, the talents of 43 local actors, and a live band - all under a starry summer sky!Performances of EVITA take place July 5-19 on the outdoor stage at the Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury, CT. Shows are Friday (please note no show July 4), Saturday and Sunday evenings at 8 PM, with two specially discounted Thursday shows July 10 and 17 at 8 PM. Premium VIP front row seating available at each performance - only two pairs (4 seats) each night! Grounds open for picnicking at 7 PM.
MUSIC
Fri, Jul 4 at 8:30 PMSouthern Desperation at The Woodbury Brewing CompanySat, Jul 5 at 8:30 PMRighteous Continental at The Woodbury Brewing Company
Sun, Jul 6 at 2 PMZach Fields at The Woodbury Brewing Company
*********
Psychic Medium Patricia Griffin on Sunday at 6:00pm at Comix Comedy Club********
At Foxwoods this weekend:
OTHER EVENTS
The City of Waterbury Independence Day Fireworks are scheduled for Sunday, July 6th at 9:15 PM - 9:30 PMFireworks will light up the sky from Holy Land USARain date: Sunday, July 13th.
*******Naugatuck Fourth of July Festival is Friday 5 PM - 10 PM On Church St. downtown Naugatuck
********Hartford Bonanza - Bushnell Park, July 5 Time: Festival starts at 4 p.m., Fireworks approximately at 9:45 p.m. Rain Date: 7/6/2025
********Orange Independence Day Concert & Fireworks July 5 - Orange Fairgrounds, Time: Festivities begin at 3 p.m., concert starts at 6:30, Fireworks at Dusk. Rain Date: 7/6/2025
*******
Sunday, July 6 New Milford Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks - Town Green, Time: 9:30 p.m.
*******
Blast at the Beach returns to Quassy on July 4.Celebrate Independence Day at Quassy with a DJ dance party on the beach and an epic 3-D fireworks display over Lake Quassapaug$20 admission (kids under 45"" FREE with paid adult)Live DJ | Food & Drinks | Free 3-D Glasses Late Night Combo Park Pass (4-11 pm): $37.99 Grab your tickets now: www.quassy.com
Celebrate Independence Day at Lake Compounce, America’s First Amusement Park.Get ready for an unforgettable 4th of July weekend at Lake Compounce. Enjoy rides, water park thrills, tasty treats, and concerts on the lake stage, ending the night with our spectacular fireworks celebration.Concerts: July 4th, 5th & 6th starting at 2 PMLake Stage Fireworks Show on July 4th & 5th Starting at 9:30 PM Over the Lake
Special Ticket Offer:Score Single Day Tickets for just $34.99 each when you buy 2 or more. Bring your family and friends and make memories that will sparkle as much as the sky!
Lake Compounce in Southington which is now open daily (lakecompounce.com)
********Rebellious Rhythm: Exploring Puerto Rican History through Reggaetón - Part 1Philip V. Benevento Cultural Program for Adults Jul 7@5:45 pm-7:45 pm Silas Bronson Library in Waterbury
Attendance is FREE, but space is limited. Please register for one or more sessions at https://www.bronsonlibrary.org/programsor call 203-574-8225.Sponsored by the Friends of the Silas Bronson Library, the Philip V. Benevento Fund for Cultural Programs for Adults, the Afro Caribbean Cultural Center Inc, and the Greater Waterbury Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival.
Waterbury/ Naugatuck Valley residents in "Evita" at Danbury's Musicals at RIchter July 5-19Just A Little Touch of Star Quality!Danbury’s Musicals at Richter Kicks Off 41st Season Under The Stars with Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Evita” July 5-19Danbury, Conn. – Musicals at Richter (MAR), celebrating its 41st season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, kicks off the summer with “Evita,” playing July 5 to July 19. Featuring a live band and a cast of t...
Just A Little Touch of Star Quality!Danbury’s Musicals at Richter Kicks Off 41st Season Under The Stars with Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Evita” July 5-19
Danbury, Conn. – Musicals at Richter (MAR), celebrating its 41st season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, kicks off the summer with “Evita,” playing July 5 to July 19. Featuring a live band and a cast of talented local actors, performances take place outdoors under the stars at the Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury, adjacent to the Richter Park Public Golf Course, just off I-84, Exit 2.
In the pair’s third collaboration, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s blockbuster musical “Evita” chronicles the meteoric rise of Argentina’s Eva Perón. Set in Argentina between 1934-1952, the Tony-winning musical follows Eva Duarte on her journey from poor illegitimate child to ambitious actress to, as wife of military leader-turned-president Juan Perón, the most powerful woman in Latin America, before her death from cancer at age 33.
The tuneful score combines Latin, jazz, pop and more traditional influences and features such memorable songs as “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Oh What a Circus,” “Buenos Aires” and “Another Suitcase in Another Hall.”
The original Broadway production, featuring Patti LuPone as Eva, Mandy Patinkin as Che and Bob Gunton as Perón, garnered seven 1980 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. In addition to numerous critically acclaimed revivals, “Evita” was made into a film in 1996 starring Madonna as Eva, Antonio Banderas as Che and Jonathan Pryce as Perón.
At the helm of MAR’s “Evita” is director Donald E. Birely, who returns to Richter after a successful production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” last summer. Birely has directed more than 20 productions for MAR over the years. As a performer, he has toured the US in ”Beauty and the Beast,” “Oklahoma,” and “Annie.” He can also be heard on the BMG recording of Yeston/Kopit’s “Phantom.” Mr Birely owns DB Productions Costume Rental located in Ossining, NY.
Joining Birely as music director is Andrew Gadwah, whose previous MAR credits include music direction for “Grease” and “The Addams Family,” and keyboard for “Shrek.” His other music direction/keyboard credits include “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Matilda” at New Fairfield High School, “Wreck the Halls” at Sherman Players, “A Grand Night for Singing” at Center Stage in Shelton and “Once on This Island” at Spotlight Stage Company in North Haven. Gadwah’s “day job” is teaching choir, music theory, and theater at New Fairfield High School.
Richter veteran Matthew Farina serves as choreographer for the production and also appears as a featured dancer, marking his 21st year under the stars with MAR. For Richter, he directed and choreographed “Hairspray” and “Footloose,” choreographed nine other productions and performed in nine productions as well. Farina has directed, choreographed and/or performed at numerous schools and community theaters in western Connecticut, including Immaculate, Joel Barlow and Newtown high schools, along with Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, TheatreWorks New Milford, Seven Angels Theatre (Waterbury) and the Warner Theatre (Torrington).
“Evita” features a talented cast of MAR veterans and newcomers. Redding resident Jazzy Cores takes on the role of Eva Duarte Perón, an ambitious and charismatic young woman who rises from poverty to become a successful movie star and eventually the beloved but controversial First Lady of Argentina. Gabriel Montanaro (Brewster, NY) portrays the revolutionary figure Che, who serves as narrator and commentator for the story, and Michael Solano (Danbury) plays Eva’s husband Juan Perón, the shrewd military leader who becomes President of Argentina in 1946.
Thomas Koo (Granite Springs, NY) takes on the role of Magaldi, the tango singer who helps Eva escape small-town life for the bright lights of Buenos Aires. Lauren Dattilo (Southington) is featured as Perón’s Mistress, a young woman who is cast out when Eva becomes part of Perón’s life and entourage.
Featured in a variety of ensemble and dance roles as the people of Argentina are: Ailis Tyra (Bethel); Jackie Ziegelmeier (Brookfield); Isabella Andrade, Pedro Couy,Barbara Kessler and Peter Lerman (Danbury); John Paul Akter (Derby); Vivienne Bournos, NIcholas Eklund, Anthony Nittolo-Novotny and Susan Gelb (New Fairfield); John Armstrong, Matthew Farina and Abigail Rivas (Newtown); Lauren Garafano (Norwalk); Robert Bria and Jared Shuford (Redding); Helen Seda (Sherman); Kiran Kops (Stamford); Tina Marie Manus (Stratford); Nomita Ramchandani (Weston); and Polina Mylus (Woodbury). New York State residents in the ensemble include: Taylor Byrne, Carolyn McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy, Walter Ruszczyk and Virginia Ruszczyk (Brewster), Lorelei Velez (Ossining); and Sarah Knowles (Pawling).
The youth ensemble for “Evita” includes Katie Ziegelmeier and Natalie Ziegelmeier (Brookfield);Chloe Dugay, Bradley Horosky and Catherine Solano (Danbury); Madelynn Saris (Redding); Katherine Hadermayer and Elena Kraus (Ridgefield); and Sky Corradino (Brewster, NY).
Set design for the production is by Steve Loftus/SceneWorks, with costumes by DB Productions Costume Rentals and wig design by Stephanie Salisman. Lighting is by Eric Schutz of RKE Productions and sound design is by Mark Firestone. Alli Weir (New Fairfield) serves as stage manager and MAR Artistic Director Denise Fontenelli (Danbury) is producer.
“Evita” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals (concordtheatricals.com) on behalf of The Really Useful Group.
Musicals at Richter’s 2025 season is underwritten in part by a generous grant from the City of Danbury Cultural Commission. Additional funding support has been provided by CT Humanities CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant, CT Department of Energy and Economic Development, Ives Bank, Ridgefield Thrift Shop, and many individual donors.
Performances for “Evita” are Friday-Sunday evenings at 8 PM (please note no performance on Friday, July 4) with specially discounted performances on Thursdays July 10 and 17. Grounds at Richter Arts Center open at 7:00 p.m. for picnicking, with the show at 8:00 p.m.
Signed interpretation of the show will take place at the Sunday, July 13 performance.
Tickets for “Evita” are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors (65+) and students (with ID), and $15 for children 10 and under. For the Thursday performances (July 10 and July 17), tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and $10 for children 10 and under.
Audience members are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for lawn seating. A limited number of chairs are available free of charge at the concession area, and a snack/soft drink concession is on site.
Two pairs of comfortable VIP front row seats will be available at each performance. The tickets cost $150 per pair, which includes a $90 tax-deductible donation to support MAR’s Renaissance of Richter stage and facility improvement campaign.
Following “Evita” on the Richter main stage is “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” playing July 25 through August 9.
For younger audiences, MAR’s Fairy Tale Theater presents a series of interactive plays for young people Saturday mornings July 12 through August 2 on the Richter Arts Center grounds. Tickets for Fairy Tale are $5 and are available at the door.
Also returning this year is MAR’s Summer Youth Musical Theater Workshop, a tuition-based program for young people ages 8-16 that explores all aspects of stagecraft and putting on a show. The four-week workshop runs weekdays 9 AM - 4 PM and culminates in a 3-performance run of “Beetlejuice Jr.” August 14, 15 and 16.
For further information on all our offerings and to purchase main stage tickets, visit the website at musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail [email protected].
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.REGISTRATION OPEN FOR FALL SEMESTER AT CT STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUSESCredit registration is in progress at CT State Community College (CT State) campuses statewide.Fall 2025 semester credit classes begin on August 27 with a mix of on-campus, online, and hybrid course options.CT State campuses offer hundreds of associate degrees and certificates to prepare students for transfer to four-year degrees or direct entry in...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR FALL SEMESTER AT CT STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUSES
Credit registration is in progress at CT State Community College (CT State) campuses statewide.
Fall 2025 semester credit classes begin on August 27 with a mix of on-campus, online, and hybrid course options.
CT State campuses offer hundreds of associate degrees and certificates to prepare students for transfer to four-year degrees or direct entry into the workforce. Programs include training for in-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing technology, business, cybersecurity, data science, early childhood education, information technology, health care, and pathways to teaching careers. Students can complete a certificate in as little as six months, and a degree in two years.
Special agreements with public and private colleges and universities throughout the state provide seamless transfer and a low-cost pathway to a bachelor’s degree.
Prospective students should start by applying online at www.ctstate.edu/apply. To ensure the best course selection, students are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
Free tuition is available to Connecticut residents who are high school graduates, whether from the state or elsewhere, and are attending college for the first time. Anyone who first attended college in fall 2020 or later may be eligible, as well. Accessing the free tuition program and any financial aid starts with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. The free tuition program is not income-based. All students who plan on attending full- or part-time should complete the FAFSA so they can access the program, even if they do not think they will quality for need-based aid. Program funding is available on a rolling basis; applicants can see if they may qualify at www.ctstate.edu/free-tuition.
Registration for non-credit career training certifications is ongoing, with programs and classes in health care, information technology, manufacturing, real estate, culinary, veterinary assistant, and more. Scholarships for information technology, health care and manufacturing classes are available. Veterans, certified dislocated workers and those receiving SNAP assistance may also be eligible for scholarships and tuition waivers for many continuing education programs. For more information, visit ctstate.edu/workforce-development/funding-options.
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
VOICES OF FREEDOM: A JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025, 6:00 PM PALACE THEATERVOICES OF FREEDOM: A JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONTHURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025, 6:00 PM PALACE THEATERWaterbury, CT – On Thursday, June 19th at 6:00 p.m., join the Palace Theater for a powerful and inspiring Juneteenth Celebration presented in collaboration with City Youth Theater/City Stage Company and 3D Music Academy.This memorable evening will honor African American history and culture through music, poetry, spoken word, and dynami...
VOICES OF FREEDOM: A JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONTHURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025, 6:00 PM PALACE THEATER
Waterbury, CT – On Thursday, June 19th at 6:00 p.m., join the Palace Theater for a powerful and inspiring Juneteenth Celebration presented in collaboration with City Youth Theater/City Stage Company and 3D Music Academy.
This memorable evening will honor African American history and culture through music, poetry, spoken word, and dynamic presentations celebrating resilience, unity, and hope. The event features a blend of musical performances by seasoned professionals and emerging artists, thought-provoking poetry and spoken word pieces exploring themes of freedom, perseverance, and hope, along with insightful presentations on the historic and cultural impact of Juneteenth.
This event is made possible through the ongoing support of Mary Ellen & Tim Rourke, Connecticut Community Foundation, and the Greater Waterbury NAACP.
Admission is free but reservations are required as seating is limited. Please call the Box Office at 203-346-2000 or purchase online at palacetheaterct.org.
Featured Artists and Presenters include Chris "Big Dog" Davis, a two-time Grammy-nominated producer and celebrated musician, Will Davis II, recognized as one of the top drummers in the gospel circuit, and Devin Tiana, a talented recording artist whose captivating performances blend soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Performing alongside them are students from the vibrant 3D Music Academy Ensemble, a showcase of emerging talent from the 3D Music Academy.
The evening will conclude with a reception from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. where audience members can meet the artists, connect with fellow attendees, and celebrate community spirit while enjoying light refreshments.
Don’t miss this celebration of Juneteenth’s legacy, brought to life by some of the most talented performers and visionaries in the region!
Officials say the dam on a Connecticut river is more than just an eyesore.The Kinneytown Dam in Seymour on the Naugatuck River, also is considered environmentally damaging due to its blockage of fish migration, leading to stagnant water and dead fish that neighbors say can give off a foul odor that could be smelled for miles.But that all could soon change with an ambitious project to remove the dam that offici...
Officials say the dam on a Connecticut river is more than just an eyesore.
The Kinneytown Dam in Seymour on the Naugatuck River, also is considered environmentally damaging due to its blockage of fish migration, leading to stagnant water and dead fish that neighbors say can give off a foul odor that could be smelled for miles.
But that all could soon change with an ambitious project to remove the dam that officials are hailing as a deserved environmental win. A recent $25 million boost from state lawmakers directs the State Bond Commission to grant that money toward the removal of the dam. While the bond commission hasn’t approved the release of the funds yet, its next meeting is July 25, according to its calendar.
In addition to the $25 million from the state, the project previously secured a $15 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, $1.6 million from the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and about $4.6 million from several other sources, according to the state.
In total, some $46 million has now been secured for the removal project, according to Aaron Budris, environmental planning director with the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments. NVCOG is overseeing the project in partnership with Save the Sound, a New Haven-based nonprofit that pursues environmental justice efforts.
“This is going to be a huge project,” Budris said. “We currently have an engineer working on data collection looking at different alternatives for the removal.
“We already starting talking to the regulators. But we’re trying to work through this process as quickly as possible,” he said. “Everyone is on board with this project, we just want to do it in a safe and responsible way.”
Budris said that the dam removal process is slated to begin sometime in 2027 with a projected completion in 2028. Once completed, the Naugatuck River spanning up through Thomaston, will once again be passable for aquatic animals down to the Long Island Sound for the first time in nearly two centuries.
The dam, first constructed back in 1844, is around 30 feet high and spans over 400 feet across the Naugatuck River. The dam was built to divert water from the Naugatuck River into Ansonia to power a copper and brass mill, according to NVCOG. It was then converted into a hydroelectric dam for energy production. But today, the dam sits abandoned and in disrepair, officials said.
The Kinneytown Dam is currently owned by the hydroelectric energy company Hydroland Corp. and ceased producing electricity in 2020.
Environmentalists say the dam is the last remaining barrier to migratory fish on the Naugatuck River, blocking access to over 32 river miles of spawning habitat. Currently, fish are unable to pass the dam due to improper hydropower operations and an ineffective fish ladder installed in 1999, Budris said.
According to data compiled by NVCOG in 2021, from 2000 to 2020, the average number of fish passing Kinneytown Dam annually for three target species for restoration—American shad, blueback herring, and alewife—was just 12.5 individual fish combined from April 1 to July 1 each year—a fraction of a percentage of the original restoration goals of more than 22,000 shad and 220,000 river herring expected to be counted.
The study contributed to legal action in 2021 against HydroLand Corp. from NVCOG, along with Save the Sound and the Naugatuck River Revival Group. The groups jointly filed legal action with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to revoke Hydroland’s operating license exemption. The FERC approved the dam removal process in 2023, according to Budris.
“The Naugatuck River has made this enormous comeback and is one of the greatest environmental success stories in Connecticut,” Budris said.
“When I was a kid, there wasn’t much alive in the river. So the fact that we now have an abundance of several fish species and that people are fishing on the river is a huge success,” he said. “Removing this dam will be hugely important ecologically to ensuring those species can migrate all the way to the Sound. Other species including sea lamprey and American eel will also benefit from this project. We see it as the last barrier for the Naugatuck River.”
The dam also contributes to a foul odor that has plagued neighbors of North Fourth Street in Ansonia for years, Budris said. The dam routes water into a canal that flows downstream into Coe Pond in Ansonia, where a second generating unit once stood. Once there, the water stagnates and becomes a health and safety concern, he said.
“If you go there on a hot day, it smells awful,” Budris said. “It’s a mosquito breeding ground and all of the trash and everything in the canal gets pushed south in the back yards of residents. So that’s another major issue, but there’s also safety issues. The dam appears to us like it was never maintained. The dam shouldn’t have trees growing on it or have erosion. We did a project last summer to try and mitigate some of that safety risk before we take ownership of the property.”
Removal of the dam will not only help open miles of restored habitat to several fish species, but will also help reduce flood risk and reconnect communities to recreational opportunities along the Naugatuck River, according to officials with the the state’s DEEP.
“The Department supports the removal of the Kinneytown Dam, and is working collaboratively with NVCOG and the Brownfields Land Bank to ensure that the project maximizes benefits to local and downstream residents, the long term health of the Naugatuck river, its fishery, and the Long Island Sound, and complies with Connecticut’s Water Quality Standards,” according to DEEP spokesperson James Fowler.
The dam is set to be transferred from its current owner to the Connecticut Brownfield Land Bank. The non-profit corporation offers brownfields support to Connecticut municipalities. The CTBLB will take ownership of the dam, oversee its decommissioning, and potentially donate some of the land back to the towns of Seymour and Ansonia after removal, NVCOG officials said.
The Courant reached out to Kinneytown Dam owner Hydroland Corp. for a comment, but did not hear back in time for this story to be published.
203-877-1377
